ALCOHOL COURSE SAVES LIVES, SAYS JP
Alcohol education can save lives, said a Rochdale JP after attending the alcohol rehabilitation course available to drink drive offenders.
Mrs Roz Harrison, who sits on the Rochdale magistrates bench, said that she and many of her colleagues were shocked to learn how a single glass of spirits poured “generously” at home can put a driver over the limit.
Too many people were appearing before the court after drinking too much and they needed to know about how they may be over the limit the next morning, said Mrs Harrison, who attended the course held at Rochdale Magistrates Court for the second time.
“Social drinkers at home often don’t realise how much they are drinking. Just one glass can put them over the limit. Many people think they are alright to drive after sleeping or because they have had something to eat.
“I found this such an interesting course – and that is why I attended twice. We all learned a lot. Even though I hardly drink myself the information will help me in my role as a magistrate. People need to know this information on alcohol. It can save a life.”
Mel Hughes, of course provider the TTC Group, gave JP’s a “walk through” of the three day course on which they send newly convicted drivers.
“They now really appreciate what we put course participants through during the drink drive rehabilitation course.”
Magistrates learned how one in five drink drivers are now caught in the morning unaware that they are still over the limit from the night before.
More than 10,000 drink drivers attend 850 courses each year across the UK, organised by the TTC Group, whose HQ was officially opened by the Princess Royal last year.
Greater Manchester magistrates referred a total of 3,036 onto the highly acclaimed course which has been praised for reducing reconviction rates. Not all volunteer to attend but most who do say they wished they had the knowledge about alcohol, units, absorption rates, health and effects on driving ability before they broke the law.
In Greater Manchester, a total of 1,795 motorists, who were caught driving over the limit, got up to a quarter off their driving ban after successfully completing the 18 hour course. Magistrates in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood referred 230 drink drivers onto the course.
Courses are held in Altrincham, Ashton under Lyne, Bolton, Bury, Manchester City, Oldham, Salford, Stockport, Rochdale and Wigan.
The TTC Group is the UK’s largest provider of the drink drive rehabilitation course. It also provides courses on speed awareness and the National Driver Improvement Scheme on behalf of police and local authorities. Training is also available for the corporate sector on alcohol and drug awareness as part of a detailed education programme for fleet drivers. For more information call 0845 270 4380 or visit www.ttc-uk.com
